Martin Whitfield MSP visited local wood turning supply and training business Why-Aye Wood at Cockenzie House and Gardens on Saturday 7^th December to help celebrate and promote this year’s Small Business Saturday.

Now in its twelfth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday encourages customers to go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores. While it is timed to coincide with the busy festive period, its intent is to support and promote small businesses throughout the year.

Mr Whitfield has been encouraging businesses in East Lothian and across the South Scotland region to take part in the campaign and use it to help promote what they have to offer local consumers.

The South Scotland MSP caught up with Allan Robertson, who runs the business, to chat about some of the issues he is currently facing and how local small businesses can be supported to thrive and grow.

Cockenzie House is home to several local businesses, and Saturday also saw its Christmas Extravaganza with market stalls, a choir, face painting, food vans, Christmas lights switch on and other activities.

Speaking after his visit, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Small Business Saturday is now a crucial annual fixture to help highlight the vital contribution small businesses make to their local economies and communities and encourage consumers to shop locally. The campaign helps businesses by giving them a boost at this most important time of the year.

“Why-Aye Wood is a great example of a small business that is not only providing an important service for its customers but also going out of its way to help young people in the local community. I’m grateful to Allan for taking some time out to catch up and wish every success to all of our local businesses over the festive period.”